Aishe couldn't resist a jibe, since Cyrus was now sitting next to her and had invited Alec to chat. Swallowing, she interjected cheekily, "He mostly causes damage. In various forms. Falling on people, around people, tripping them, throwing them across tables, wantonly destroying clothing."
She affected an air of surprise and looked around. "In fact, I don't think anyone's tripped or fallen since he arrived. Granted, it's only been about half an hour, but any minute now someone's going to take a nosedive into the floor, like a twister game gone horribly wrong!"
Grinning at Alec, she levered another forkful of salad to her mouth and then winked at Cyrus. "He does play a mean game of air hockey."
Party Time?
It certainly was a good thing Fallon didn't work weekends. As it was, it seemed to be taking an inordinately long time to get everything organized for her dinner Wednesday night.
Having set one of the bags on the porch chair, while she unlocked the front door and went inside to put down the other three bags, she returned to the porch and grabbed it now. Then she realized the bag held things that she had bought for the porch, so she set it back down. She would deal with that project later.
For about the fifth time tonight, she wished she had asked Aishe if she wanted to help, but for the fifth time tonight she agreed that it wouldn't have been much of a treat for Aishe if she helped put it together.
No, Fallon was bound and determined to do this on her own, and suffer the consequences.
So far she had received three RSVPs, the sweetest having been Ana's. Such a nice message to leave on her voice mail. But there was still time, and if it turned out there would only be three others, that would still be three more at a party than she'd ever had before.
Noticing she was still standing on the front porch, Fallon laughed before turning and going back inside.
Once she had put the food away, certain she had enough for a house full of frat boys, she gathered all the candles together on the table, and then set out to distribute them through the house. Thinking they would make her house more festive, with spending the smallest amount of money, she had bought many. And they were all in complimenting scents. With winter still upon them in Nachton, Fallon had gone with comfort scents...cinnamon, apple pie, and vanilla. She now just hoped having the house smell like baked goodies wouldn't be offensive to anyone.
Taking the small stack of papers from her purse, she set them inside her bar. She had devised a list of items for the scavenger hunt, and had them printed up. Now she just had to remember where they were, and hope everyone would have fun playing.
Tucking the folded paper bags from her shopping under her kitchen sink, Fallon poured herself a glass of white zin, and went to sit on the porch. The night air was still crisp, but not as biting as it had been the past few nights. Setting her wine glass down, she took the other batch of candles out of the bag on the porch, and the little tin covers, and scattered them around. Some went on the railing, some went along the steps, and some were hung from hooks the prior tenants had left in the porch ceiling. Fallon took the long lighter from the bag, lit all the outside candles, and smiled. It did look very party like, and though it was a small effort, it made her feel a lot better about how things were going to go...or how she hoped they would.
Aishe
18 years ago
Montana
18 years ago
Ana piped up from her spot on the floor. "Hey now! I've kept my ass parked somewhere seventy-five percent of the time I've been here!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized she pigeonholed herself as being the type to fall in Alec's presence, not to mention the fact that she was now flushing bright red, she also may have jynxed herself. "Gonna shut up now." She covered her face with her hands.
As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized she pigeonholed herself as being the type to fall in Alec's presence, not to mention the fact that she was now flushing bright red, she also may have jynxed herself. "Gonna shut up now." She covered her face with her hands.
Fallon
18 years ago
About to ask Cyrus to pour her something, Fallon wondered why Tristan was taking so long, and grew concerned. Excusing herself to Ambrose, she got up and stepped around Cyrus, and between Ana and Aishe, smiling at them all along the way.
Once she reached the bathroom door, Fallon smelled something that she recognized immediately. Pot. She could see the door to the bathroom was just not quite shut totally, and when she knocked it swung open to reveal Tristan with the joint up to his lips. A cheesy grin crept across his face as he took a hit, and then held the roach out to her.
Somewhat taken aback, Fallon stepped into the bathroom, closed the door and locked it, before turning on the guy.
"Tristan! What in the hell are you doing? That stuff is illegal!"
Though she was acting the responsible person here, because she didn't want anything to destroy the party. She also didn't want anything to jeopardize her new found happiness, and though she had been around grass before, she had never once tried it. Mainly because Ted and his friends had never invited her, but also because any time Ted ever smoked, he would forget about Fallon, and she always took the opportunity to make herself scarce then. Any time she could get away from him, and not run the risk of him calling for her, she was more than happy to oblige.
Once she reached the bathroom door, Fallon smelled something that she recognized immediately. Pot. She could see the door to the bathroom was just not quite shut totally, and when she knocked it swung open to reveal Tristan with the joint up to his lips. A cheesy grin crept across his face as he took a hit, and then held the roach out to her.
Somewhat taken aback, Fallon stepped into the bathroom, closed the door and locked it, before turning on the guy.
"Tristan! What in the hell are you doing? That stuff is illegal!"
Though she was acting the responsible person here, because she didn't want anything to destroy the party. She also didn't want anything to jeopardize her new found happiness, and though she had been around grass before, she had never once tried it. Mainly because Ted and his friends had never invited her, but also because any time Ted ever smoked, he would forget about Fallon, and she always took the opportunity to make herself scarce then. Any time she could get away from him, and not run the risk of him calling for her, she was more than happy to oblige.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Smelling the scent from the bathroom, Alec dismissed it. Things like that sometimes happened at even the most mellow of parties. It'd be a bit before anyone else would smell it, if at all. Unless, of course, the smokers came back in and lingered. Then everyone would know. At Aishe's comment, he laughed. Winking at Ana's response, Alec replied
Don't feel bad, Ana. Aishe nearly wound up naked the night she met me, but I wound up falling for Ginnie instead. Ok, literally...but still. And you forgot that I'm the Pinball Wizard. Please use my formal title when making fun of me. Goodness!
Looking to Cyrus, he figured the man would ask again. Rather than leaving him hanging, Alec prepared his answer, wondering how the relic would take the news. Well, in for a dime, in for a dollar.
I have a background in architecture, but I am currently working as a security consultant for...Duibne.
Waiting, Alec hoped to get a clear gauge of Cyrus' response. If he was an orphan hater, Alec would have to watch his step.
Don't feel bad, Ana. Aishe nearly wound up naked the night she met me, but I wound up falling for Ginnie instead. Ok, literally...but still. And you forgot that I'm the Pinball Wizard. Please use my formal title when making fun of me. Goodness!
Looking to Cyrus, he figured the man would ask again. Rather than leaving him hanging, Alec prepared his answer, wondering how the relic would take the news. Well, in for a dime, in for a dollar.
I have a background in architecture, but I am currently working as a security consultant for...Duibne.
Waiting, Alec hoped to get a clear gauge of Cyrus' response. If he was an orphan hater, Alec would have to watch his step.
Cyrus
18 years ago
Cyrus chuckled slightly at Aishe's mailigning of Alec. So he was clumsy or acted that way, interesting. Fallon excused herself and stepped around them. It was difficult to resist reaching out to touch her but somehow he restrained himself.
Alec's goodnatured joking was entertaining. How Ana fit into the picture he did not know. Nor did the name Ginnie ring a bell. Though his comment about Dubine only caused a minimal amount of alertness to spring forth and his eyes to narrow fractionally. "Really? How interesting. Have you been there long?"
Since Fallon had invited Alec, he assumed she must not be aware that he was a Tacharan. Perhaps though, he knew Panos which could be of some use.
Alec's goodnatured joking was entertaining. How Ana fit into the picture he did not know. Nor did the name Ginnie ring a bell. Though his comment about Dubine only caused a minimal amount of alertness to spring forth and his eyes to narrow fractionally. "Really? How interesting. Have you been there long?"
Since Fallon had invited Alec, he assumed she must not be aware that he was a Tacharan. Perhaps though, he knew Panos which could be of some use.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Hm. A slight apprehension, nothing more. That could be overcome. Excellent. Followed by...intrigue? Alec didn't know what the hell the second half of the look was, but it was more pleasant than the front hald, so he sought to roll with it. Smiling,
Not long in the grander scheme of things, but for as long as I can remember, it seems.
The beauty of the statement is that it let Cyrus know what he was after - that he was youngish, but affiliated with the T rather than the D, and that he was being far more honest than anyone here would likely be able to ever concieve.
Yeah...sometimes those long shifts drag on a bit, but some jobs are more interesting than others. I'm sure that's true in any line of work, though.
Tilting his head toward the vase, he smiled.
I'm assuming that you are in antiquities, among other things? That's a lovely piece.
Not long in the grander scheme of things, but for as long as I can remember, it seems.
The beauty of the statement is that it let Cyrus know what he was after - that he was youngish, but affiliated with the T rather than the D, and that he was being far more honest than anyone here would likely be able to ever concieve.
Yeah...sometimes those long shifts drag on a bit, but some jobs are more interesting than others. I'm sure that's true in any line of work, though.
Tilting his head toward the vase, he smiled.
I'm assuming that you are in antiquities, among other things? That's a lovely piece.
Cyrus
18 years ago
"Ah, interesting. We should talk later if you dont mind. I am looking for an old friend with Dubine. Though I would hate to bore the ladies with it."
Vague but understandable. Cyrus hoped that a short time meant a few hundred years rather than Fallon's days and that Alec was not a friend to the disgraced Panos. Ah well. A quiet conversation would tell.
He bowed his head marginally at the questioning of the vase. "I collect mainly weaponry and armor. But I figured as a housewarming gift the vase would be more appropriate than a 8th century Mongol spear."
He shrugged and took a sip of his scotch. That could be enough information to give Alec an idea of just who he was dealing with, or not.
"I have several companies who do most of the work now. I just collect what I like and they broker the rest out. Quite a convenient business for a collecter like myself."
Vague but understandable. Cyrus hoped that a short time meant a few hundred years rather than Fallon's days and that Alec was not a friend to the disgraced Panos. Ah well. A quiet conversation would tell.
He bowed his head marginally at the questioning of the vase. "I collect mainly weaponry and armor. But I figured as a housewarming gift the vase would be more appropriate than a 8th century Mongol spear."
He shrugged and took a sip of his scotch. That could be enough information to give Alec an idea of just who he was dealing with, or not.
"I have several companies who do most of the work now. I just collect what I like and they broker the rest out. Quite a convenient business for a collecter like myself."
Patrick Tristan O Mannon
18 years ago
Feeling a little like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar, all Tristan could think to do was offer her some, and he held his hand towards her, the joint still emitting a pungent smoke.
"Hey Fallon, really, it's not a big deal. I've only got the one joint, and most cops don't do anything but offer a stern warning for so little. Come on, why don't you try it...it'll loosen you up some...you'll enjoy your party more."
Seeing the continuous look of displeasure on her face, he quickly dropped the butt into the toilet, and flushed.
"Okay, all gone. Sorry for upsetting you."
Standing up, he washed his hands, fluffed his shirt a little, and smiled.
"It was really nice of you to invite me, and I appreciate meeting your friends, but I think it's time for me to head out. If you want to get together sometime...see a movie, or...whatever, give me a call?"
He didn't want to write her off totally, but just couldn't see them hanging out much. She was way too sophisticated for his tastes, and he always felt like she was judging him...and finding him wanting. Shrugging, he moved around her to the door, and walked out.
He continued through the living room, smiling at everyone, but not paying particular attention to any.
Making his 'good nights', Tristan left, and once in Shay's car, started in the direction of the marina.
(Tristan out)
"Hey Fallon, really, it's not a big deal. I've only got the one joint, and most cops don't do anything but offer a stern warning for so little. Come on, why don't you try it...it'll loosen you up some...you'll enjoy your party more."
Seeing the continuous look of displeasure on her face, he quickly dropped the butt into the toilet, and flushed.
"Okay, all gone. Sorry for upsetting you."
Standing up, he washed his hands, fluffed his shirt a little, and smiled.
"It was really nice of you to invite me, and I appreciate meeting your friends, but I think it's time for me to head out. If you want to get together sometime...see a movie, or...whatever, give me a call?"
He didn't want to write her off totally, but just couldn't see them hanging out much. She was way too sophisticated for his tastes, and he always felt like she was judging him...and finding him wanting. Shrugging, he moved around her to the door, and walked out.
He continued through the living room, smiling at everyone, but not paying particular attention to any.
Making his 'good nights', Tristan left, and once in Shay's car, started in the direction of the marina.
(Tristan out)
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Chuckling, Alec nodded.
I'm not sure...a well placed spear can really bring a room together...though it might not be the thing for Fallon's living room.
"No wonder he radiates danger. The man has probably killed more people than I've ever met. But if you were ever looking for a personal trainer, he'd be a good choice. Gotta be doing something right to last so long in that era's line of work."
Perhaps someday I'll have hit collector status...sadly, I'm not quite there quite yet. Need to get a few more projects under my belt before I can think about early retirement.
Nodding his goodbye to Tristan, he didn't mention the scent. Someone else could bring it up, or not, but he wasn't going to be the first.
I'm not sure...a well placed spear can really bring a room together...though it might not be the thing for Fallon's living room.
"No wonder he radiates danger. The man has probably killed more people than I've ever met. But if you were ever looking for a personal trainer, he'd be a good choice. Gotta be doing something right to last so long in that era's line of work."
Perhaps someday I'll have hit collector status...sadly, I'm not quite there quite yet. Need to get a few more projects under my belt before I can think about early retirement.
Nodding his goodbye to Tristan, he didn't mention the scent. Someone else could bring it up, or not, but he wasn't going to be the first.
Fallon
18 years ago
Irritated, but nothing beyond repair, Fallon watched as Tristan made his excuses and departure. What she had ever seen in him was beyond her. The man, no boy, was more than attractive, and had been fun...but there was no substance there, much to her dismay.
Shaking her head she turned on the fan in the bathroom, and lit a candle on the counter before leaving to return to the party.
Surveying the room again, she walked around picking up glasses, napkins...not much of which anyone was leaving behind. She smiled to think her friends were so conscious of her, or just courteous by nature, that they wouldn't leave trash behind.
Realizing she no longer had a drink, or even the ice water Ana had gotten her earlier, Fallon poured herself a small scotch on the rocks, and wondered where she should sit now. Ambrose looked a little lonesome by himself on the couch now, but she had yet to speak to Alec. Alec seemed quite engrossed in conversation with Cyrus though, so she thought not to interrupt.
Instead she just sat down next to Cyrus, turned a little away from him and Alec, and just leaned against his side.
"So, Aishe...help me out here...what can we do to liven this party up, and maybe get the men to stop talking of weapons, and battle?"
Thinking she might have pulled her friend aside to ask for help, she ultimately figured it had to be obvious to everyone that she was new at this 'party' throwing...and hoped they wouldn't think her an awful hostess to look for a little guidance. Whether or not Aishe had any practical experience, Fallon felt she was much more aware of these things than she was.
Shaking her head she turned on the fan in the bathroom, and lit a candle on the counter before leaving to return to the party.
Surveying the room again, she walked around picking up glasses, napkins...not much of which anyone was leaving behind. She smiled to think her friends were so conscious of her, or just courteous by nature, that they wouldn't leave trash behind.
Realizing she no longer had a drink, or even the ice water Ana had gotten her earlier, Fallon poured herself a small scotch on the rocks, and wondered where she should sit now. Ambrose looked a little lonesome by himself on the couch now, but she had yet to speak to Alec. Alec seemed quite engrossed in conversation with Cyrus though, so she thought not to interrupt.
Instead she just sat down next to Cyrus, turned a little away from him and Alec, and just leaned against his side.
"So, Aishe...help me out here...what can we do to liven this party up, and maybe get the men to stop talking of weapons, and battle?"
Thinking she might have pulled her friend aside to ask for help, she ultimately figured it had to be obvious to everyone that she was new at this 'party' throwing...and hoped they wouldn't think her an awful hostess to look for a little guidance. Whether or not Aishe had any practical experience, Fallon felt she was much more aware of these things than she was.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Winking at Cyrus, Alec leaned back.
Well, I guess that's our cue. No more "man talk" in mixed company! We've been spotted!
Taking a small bite of meatball, Alec turned his attention back to the ladies.
Well, I guess that's our cue. No more "man talk" in mixed company! We've been spotted!
Taking a small bite of meatball, Alec turned his attention back to the ladies.
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe was momentarily caught off-guard. In fact, she had been about to grill Cyrus on his knowledge of weaponry... it was so rare to have someone right there, who was actually alive when all kinds of fascinating smelting techniques were being used.
Caught with her jaw hanging open pre-question, she glanced over at Fallon. Snapping her mouth shut with an audible click, she looked at their small gathering as if hoping for divine inspiration. Oh, but she didn't want to let Fallon down... why had she asked that particular question though?
Aishe had never been much of a party girl. She was a wallflower by nature. Unable to come up with any sort of sensible response, she took a page out of Kem's book... when all else fails, come up with the most ridiculous thing you can think of and just spew it out.
"Uh... a roller derby?"
She looked around again.
"With jell-o?"
Caught with her jaw hanging open pre-question, she glanced over at Fallon. Snapping her mouth shut with an audible click, she looked at their small gathering as if hoping for divine inspiration. Oh, but she didn't want to let Fallon down... why had she asked that particular question though?
Aishe had never been much of a party girl. She was a wallflower by nature. Unable to come up with any sort of sensible response, she took a page out of Kem's book... when all else fails, come up with the most ridiculous thing you can think of and just spew it out.
"Uh... a roller derby?"
She looked around again.
"With jell-o?"
Montana
18 years ago
"I'm afraid I can't be of much help. The only party game I know of, even if second-hand, is spin the bottle, and well, there's only two unattached people left."
Ana felt bad she couldn't help with any suggestions. Party-throwing would have to be the next Important Social Skill she'd need to research.
Ana felt bad she couldn't help with any suggestions. Party-throwing would have to be the next Important Social Skill she'd need to research.
Cyrus
18 years ago
Cyrus was not sad to watch Tristan leave. The aroma of illegal smoke wafting from the back of the house was enough to convince Cyrus that the boy needed a few lessons in life. Mainly dont mess with or around with Fallon. Last thing anyone needed were cops over.
Chuckling at Alec's comments about spears made him reminice briefly. "Spikes with the heads of your enemies attached are even better."
He was still nodding seriously as Fallon requested no more weaponry conversations. Acknowledging the request and Alec's acquiescence with a shrug, heavy sigh and downing his scotch.
"Roller Derby?!" Having almost just choked on the swallow he peered over the glass at Aishe.
Of course then Ana comes up with Spin the Bottle, which even a thousand year old Mongol knew what that was. Deciding to be discrete he kept his mouth closed.
Chuckling at Alec's comments about spears made him reminice briefly. "Spikes with the heads of your enemies attached are even better."
He was still nodding seriously as Fallon requested no more weaponry conversations. Acknowledging the request and Alec's acquiescence with a shrug, heavy sigh and downing his scotch.
"Roller Derby?!" Having almost just choked on the swallow he peered over the glass at Aishe.
Of course then Ana comes up with Spin the Bottle, which even a thousand year old Mongol knew what that was. Deciding to be discrete he kept his mouth closed.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Frowning, Alec looked at Aishe. Blurting it out before thinking he could probably learn from context, he asked
What's a roller derby?
What's a roller derby?
Fallon
18 years ago
"Roller derby?"
Fallon laughed, and laughed even harder thinking of them all rolling around in jello...after falling off their skates, of course. The images were too funny for words.
But once she stopped laughing she then started again a little, with Ana's suggestion.
"Those are very good ideas, but...well I don't have enough jello, and without Alec's girlfriend here, I don't think spin the bottle would be a good idea."
Fallon was pretty sure Aishe's offer had been a joke, and though Ana's she felt was sincere, maybe not appropriate.
Seeing what she interpreted from Cyrus, as disappointment in not talking to Alec more about...heads on spikes...Fallon couldn't fend off a shudder. She felt bad though, thinking he was enjoying himself, and she put a stop to it. At least he found humor in Aishe's roller derby.
She giggled all over again at Alec's question.
"Roller derby is when you put on roller skates, and skate around a rink knocking people down...though the jello part is Aishe's own personal version I think.
Truthfully...I love to roller skate, and the idea has merit, if only I had planned ahead."
Sighing very dramatically, Fallon winked at Aishe. The version she had given Alec was very simplistic, but aside from seeing it on television once or twice, that was the extent of her knowledge.
Fallon laughed, and laughed even harder thinking of them all rolling around in jello...after falling off their skates, of course. The images were too funny for words.
But once she stopped laughing she then started again a little, with Ana's suggestion.
"Those are very good ideas, but...well I don't have enough jello, and without Alec's girlfriend here, I don't think spin the bottle would be a good idea."
Fallon was pretty sure Aishe's offer had been a joke, and though Ana's she felt was sincere, maybe not appropriate.
Seeing what she interpreted from Cyrus, as disappointment in not talking to Alec more about...heads on spikes...Fallon couldn't fend off a shudder. She felt bad though, thinking he was enjoying himself, and she put a stop to it. At least he found humor in Aishe's roller derby.
She giggled all over again at Alec's question.
"Roller derby is when you put on roller skates, and skate around a rink knocking people down...though the jello part is Aishe's own personal version I think.
Truthfully...I love to roller skate, and the idea has merit, if only I had planned ahead."
Sighing very dramatically, Fallon winked at Aishe. The version she had given Alec was very simplistic, but aside from seeing it on television once or twice, that was the extent of her knowledge.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Laughing, Alec nodded.
Ok, so it is like Burnout 3 with roller skates instead of cars and jell-o instead of explosions.
Making a worried look in Aishe's direction, he leaned over toward everyone else and said in an aside
I think she might be losing what is left of her mind. Don't make any sudden movements, she may attack.
Ok, so it is like Burnout 3 with roller skates instead of cars and jell-o instead of explosions.
Making a worried look in Aishe's direction, he leaned over toward everyone else and said in an aside
I think she might be losing what is left of her mind. Don't make any sudden movements, she may attack.
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe smirked at Cyrus as he inhaled whatever was in his mouth. Oh, wow, apparently vampires could choke. She'd have to keep her hand in with the Heimlich.
Patting Cyrus on the back heartily, she nodded at Fallon for the explanation.
"Really, I was basically going on the 'always better with j-e-l-l-o' theory." She gave a little grin. "You know... roller derby - with jell-o. Twister - with jell-o. Doesn't it sound funnier that way?"
She then rolled her eyes at Alec. "If I didn't have a great deal of respect for my sister here, I'd have thrown something gloppy at you by now. You just watch it... one of these days I'll catch you when you're not looking."
Aishe's good-natured threat was complimented with a wink and an innocent glance up at the heavens.
Patting Cyrus on the back heartily, she nodded at Fallon for the explanation.
"Really, I was basically going on the 'always better with j-e-l-l-o' theory." She gave a little grin. "You know... roller derby - with jell-o. Twister - with jell-o. Doesn't it sound funnier that way?"
She then rolled her eyes at Alec. "If I didn't have a great deal of respect for my sister here, I'd have thrown something gloppy at you by now. You just watch it... one of these days I'll catch you when you're not looking."
Aishe's good-natured threat was complimented with a wink and an innocent glance up at the heavens.
Ambrose
18 years ago
Watching Tristan leave Ambrose recognized the smell that followed him and couldn’t say he was sorry to see the guy go. Even with his musical associations, Ambrose didn’t approve of that sort of entertainment, especially at the expense of your host.
He got a laugh out of the roller derby idea, and found that Aishe was right. It was funnier with the Jell-O than without.
“The trouble is Jell-O stains the carpet unless you’re playing checkers with Jell-O and there is very little that improves a game of checkers.”
Of course, you could play with Jell-O shooters and down one when you got jumped. That usually made for an entertaining game.
He caught but dismissed the sister reference. Aishe and Fallon certainly didn’t look related, so it must be something else.
He got a laugh out of the roller derby idea, and found that Aishe was right. It was funnier with the Jell-O than without.
“The trouble is Jell-O stains the carpet unless you’re playing checkers with Jell-O and there is very little that improves a game of checkers.”
Of course, you could play with Jell-O shooters and down one when you got jumped. That usually made for an entertaining game.
He caught but dismissed the sister reference. Aishe and Fallon certainly didn’t look related, so it must be something else.
Fallon
18 years ago
Never had she felt so relaxed among people. The nervousness seemed to have evaporated as the evening had worn on, and now she felt...happy. Really happy.
She liked the way Aishe and Alec were together. They both seemed to enjoy each other's teasing, and it reminded Fallon of brothers and sisters she had seen on television shows, or in the movies. A little bit of sadness crept into her thoughts, when she looked back at her own relationship with her brother, and knew they had never been, nor would ever be, as close. But pushing those thoughts right back out again, she laughed at the thought that Aishe might attack anyone, and at her j-e-l-l-o ditty. Then thinking of playing checkers with huge globs of jello was just as funny, though probably because it had come from Ambrose, and seemed so unexpected.
Putting her arm around Cyrus, resting her hand along his back, Fallon laid her head on his shoulder lightly. I had never occurred to her, to think of herself as being a demonstrative person, but more and more she felt comfortable in touching people, and felt good when they didn't recoil, or give her looks of rejection. It seemed to connect her to this new life, and those around her.
And yet when she touched Cyrus, she could feel change. More and more she touched him because she just liked touching him, whereas before it had almost always been for support, and reassurance. A part of her still sat back, surveying the relationship with trepidation, but that part was shrinking, almost minute by minute.
"Who wants dessert?"
She liked the way Aishe and Alec were together. They both seemed to enjoy each other's teasing, and it reminded Fallon of brothers and sisters she had seen on television shows, or in the movies. A little bit of sadness crept into her thoughts, when she looked back at her own relationship with her brother, and knew they had never been, nor would ever be, as close. But pushing those thoughts right back out again, she laughed at the thought that Aishe might attack anyone, and at her j-e-l-l-o ditty. Then thinking of playing checkers with huge globs of jello was just as funny, though probably because it had come from Ambrose, and seemed so unexpected.
Putting her arm around Cyrus, resting her hand along his back, Fallon laid her head on his shoulder lightly. I had never occurred to her, to think of herself as being a demonstrative person, but more and more she felt comfortable in touching people, and felt good when they didn't recoil, or give her looks of rejection. It seemed to connect her to this new life, and those around her.
And yet when she touched Cyrus, she could feel change. More and more she touched him because she just liked touching him, whereas before it had almost always been for support, and reassurance. A part of her still sat back, surveying the relationship with trepidation, but that part was shrinking, almost minute by minute.
"Who wants dessert?"